SEVERAL seasons ago, West Hartlepool were in the upper echelons of English rugby, and able to field England internationals, thanks to a County Championship which northern counties fully supported – and, unlike many parts of England – still support.
West Hartlepool are now languishing in Level 7, and with no proper county stage, the only way any of their players can ever hope for better rugby is by leaving.
The latest County Championship format guarantees Durham just one home match, so that is no help at all to ambitious players in Durham, and, even if West Hartlepool as a...